Latest Roster Announcement for U.S. Women’s National Team Ahead of Paris Olympics

Coach Emma Hayes has announced her first roster for the United States women’s national team ahead of the Paris Olympics, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting lineup. Hayes, who recently completed her final season as the coach of Chelsea, has selected a squad that includes some new faces and notable absences.

Two National Women’s Soccer League players, Sam Staab and Hal Hershfelt, have earned their first call-ups to the national team, bringing fresh talent to the roster. However, veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will be missing from the squad due to a recent injury.

The team is set to face South Korea in a pair of friendlies on June 1 and June 4, giving Hayes the chance to assess her players before finalizing the 18-player roster for the Olympics. Hayes emphasized the importance of commitment and adaptability in her squad, stating that she is looking forward to challenging her players as they prepare for the summer competition.

Former coach Vlatko Andonovski’s resignation following last year’s Women’s World Cup led to Hayes’s appointment, and Twila Kilgore stepped in as interim coach in the meantime. Kilgore will now serve as an assistant under Hayes, who is expected to announce her Olympic roster in late June.

The roster includes notable players like Lindsey Horan and Crystal Dunn, as well as newcomers like Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson. Despite some injuries and omissions, the team is gearing up for an exciting summer of competition.

As the United States women’s national team prepares for the Paris Olympics, fans can expect a blend of experience and fresh talent under Coach Emma Hayes’ leadership. Stay tuned for more updates as the team gets closer to their Olympic campaign.